Weather in Thailand by Month
Thailand is a southeastern state located in the southwest of Indochina and consists of 76 provinces. With an area of more than 513 sq. km and a population of over 68 million people, the Kingdom is the 50th largest country in the world. The weather in Thailand varies from month to month due to the monsoon winds. The air temperature is practically unchanged throughout the year. The peak tourist season is from November to the end of March.
From a geographical point of view, Siam is divided into several regions: the north, covered with picturesque mountains and hills of the Thai Highlands, Bangkok with surrounding areas and the southern part of the peninsula, where the best beaches and most famous resorts are located. The length of the coastline in Thailand is 3,219 kilometers.
Weather in Thailand by seasons
The climate of Thailand is tropical and is strongly influenced by monsoonal winds, which are seasonal in nature:
- The southwest monsoon begins in mid-May and ends in mid-October, bringing warm, moist air from the Indian Ocean and causing heavy rain throughout the country, especially on the windward side of the mountains. Precipitation during this period is caused not only by the southwest monsoon, but also by tropical cyclones, which bring powerful, but warm and short showers.
- The northeast monsoon starts in October and ends in mid-February, bringing cold and dry air from anticyclones in mainland China. It mainly affects the northern and northeastern parts of Thailand. In the southern regions, this monsoon causes mild weather and frequent rains on the east coast.
The temperature throughout the year is from +18 °C to +34 °C. During the calendar year, an average of 1500 mm of precipitation falls in the country. The summer months are characterized by high humidity, which reaches 75% at average temperatures of +31…32 °C. In winter, relative humidity drops to 20%, which, with virtually unchanged air temperature, makes holidays in Thailand more pleasant and comfortable.
The monthly weather calendar in Thailand will be a useful assistant in planning your vacation.
January
The weather in Thailand in January varies depending on the region. In the north it is cool and dry, the average air temperature is +22 °C. Sometimes cold air currents from China lower the air temperature in the east and north to 0 °C. In the west, it rains infrequently. On the east coast (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan) showers are more frequent. The air temperature here is within +26…29 °C. The best conditions for a holiday on the west coast, where the resorts of Phuket, Khao Lak, Krabi are located: a minimum of rain and a warm sea with a water temperature of +28 ° C.
February
The weather in Thailand in February in the north is dry, it rains infrequently. The air temperature with indicators of +22…25 °C creates ideal conditions for outdoor activities. In the south and in Bangkok at this time there is dry sunny weather, creating excellent conditions for a beach holiday. February is the last month of the dry season and the average rainfall over 2-3 days is only 30mm. The air temperature here changes little and is on average +28 °C, between the average highs and lows +23…33 °C.
March
The weather in Thailand in spring is considered the hottest. In March, in the north, the air warms up to +35 ° C during the day. The average daily temperature for Bangkok in March is around 30°C. Despite the chance of rain, the weather is very hot, with average humidity around 70%. Rains begin to fall more often than in the previous two months. But 50 millimeters of rain in March usually falls in 5 days. The average water temperature in the sea is +29 °C.
April
Enjoys the glory of the hottest month. The average air temperature is about +30 °C. Daytime temperature in Bangkok ranges from +26…35 °С. Humidity is at the level of 70%, so a feeling of stuffiness and “stickiness” is often created. The number of hours of sunshine every day is 8. Warm tropical showers do not interfere with swimming and sunbathing. Usually 110 mm of precipitation falls with a 32% chance of rain. Favorable conditions for divers on the east coast.
May
While temperatures in Bangkok and the west coast resorts are dropping slightly, humidity remains high. The sun usually shines for about 8 hours a day, which helps warm the air temperature up to 34 °C and the sea water temperature up to +30 °C. The average rainfall is about 180 mm with a 60% chance of rain.
June
The weather in Thailand in summer is characterized by features typical of the tropical rainy season. Well-heated air, high humidity up to 73%, heavy rainfall. The sun usually shines for about 6 hours a day, the temperature rises to +33 °C. Approximately 180 mm of precipitation falls, which is the same as in May. The rains are warm and short.
July
In July, the number of sunny hours is reduced to 5 days, but the air temperature is still high: +26…33 °C. The average daily temperature in Bangkok is usually around 30°C. Those who are looking for a hot summer vacation will not be disappointed. The probability of rain is 62%, the humidity is about 73%. The average sea temperature in July is usually + 30 °C.
August
In August the weather is similar to June and July. Usually up to 170 mm of precipitation falls, the number of rainy days is about 21. The sun, as in the previous month, shines for 5 hours a day, heating the air up to +29…30 °C.
September
The weather in Thailand in autumn is not much colder than in summer. In September, Bangkok receives at least 5 hours of sunshine per day. September is considered the wettest month of the year. This month, on average, 220 millimeters of precipitation falls, and in Phuket – up to 440 millimeters. Temperature range – from +25 to + 30 °C. The average sea temperature of +29 °C is more than enough for long swims.
October
The average number of rainy days is 16, during which about 190 mm falls. The air humidity is approximately 76%, which, combined with the air temperature of +25 to +30 °C, creates a greenhouse effect, making long walks difficult. On the sea coasts, showers often accompany severe storms.
November
In November, the rainy season ends in most of Thailand. Showers can still go a little at the beginning of the month, but end by mid-November. Temperatures are moderate by Thai standards in all directions and there is a good selection of islands to enjoy the warmth of the sun. In Bangkok, the air temperature is around +31 ° C, and the rainfall is up to 80 mm per month.
December
Weather in Thailand in winter promises cloudless azure skies, bright sunshine and comfortable temperatures. On the entire coast of Thailand, the maximum daytime temperature reaches +31 ° C for air and +29 ° C for water. Traditionally, the peak tourist season begins, and the resorts of Phuket, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi on the west coast, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in the southern bay and Koh Samet, Koh Chang and Koh Kut in the east are filled with vacationers.
